From the August 2004 issue

Black Bears: A Study by DEC and Advice to the Public

Tracking bears wearing collars will
help to determine their home ranges,
seasonal movements and habitat use

DEC has begun a two-year study of black bears in the eastern portion of the High Peaks Wilderness Area. Wildlife experts are placing radio collars on bears and tracking their movements.

The primary objectives of the High Peaks Black Bear Study are to estimate the number, sex, age, and physical condition of bears using the Marcy Dam/Lake Colden area of the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The home ranges, seasonal movements, and habitat use of collared bears will be determined, as will the effectiveness of aversive conditioning techniques used on nuisance bears.

Reporting Sightings

In New York State, an
average adult male black
bear weighs about 300
pounds, while females
average about 170 pounds

Hikers and campers in the High Peaks Wilderness can assist DEC with the black bear study by reporting all bear sightings and any negative bear encounters, such as the loss of food or damage to camping equipment. When observing a bear, look for colored ear tags, colored paint markings on its body, or any other unique features that may help to identify an individual bear. Also note the date, time and location of the sighting or encounter.

When reporting a bear sighting or negative encounter use the reporting forms available at the Lake Colden caretaker's cabin, the trail register kiosk at Marcy Dam, the High Peaks Information Center, or from DEC staff. A High Peaks Bear Sighting Form may also be obtained on DEC's Web Site and mailed to NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, P.O. Box 296, Ray Brook, NY, 12977. Sightings or encounters may be phoned in to the Region 5 Wildlife Unit at (518) 897-1291.

In areas where study activities are underway, warning signs will be posted. Although the temporary study areas will be located away from the marked human trail systems, hikers and campers are advised to avoid these areas and obey the instructions of DEC staff.

Study Results and Benefits

In addition to some immediate reduction in negative human/bear encounters in the High Peaks, it is expected that the study will provide information that can be used to develop a long-term plan to significantly reduce such negative interactions. Likewise, data on black bear biology and other information gathered will be valuable as a reference for future work on nuisance bears throughout the state.

Bear Avoidance

Using a backpackers' cache will help
to keep food (and people) safe from
bears

Campers, hikers and homeowners are advised to take precautions against encounters with black bears while enjoying the outdoors, particularly in the Adirondack, Catskill and Allegany regions of New York State. The Adirondack region, with 5,000 bears, contains the largest bear population in the state. The Catskill region contains 1,500 bears, and the Allegany region 300 bears. In recent years, bears have been extending their range outside of these core areas.

When bears learn to obtain food from humans, they become bold and aggressive. Their natural foraging habits and behavior change. The intentional feeding of bears is illegal and unwise. The best way to avoid negative encounters with bears is to prevent unintentional feeding of them so that they don't associate humans with food sources.

Deterring Bears

Advice for Hikers and Campers

Never leave food unattended.
Never cook or eat in your sleeping area.
Cook dinner early, no later than 5 PM.
Do not leave coolers or food out at any time. Store them securely in either the trunk of your car or in the passenger area of your truck. Keep windows shut and food and coolers out of sight.
Where food lockers are provided, food and coolers must be stored and locked inside.
Clean up immediately after all meals.
Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and washbasins clean when not in use.
Do not wash dishes under the water faucets.
Do not put grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles or other refuse into the fireplace.
Do not keep food or coolers in your tent.
Do not wear clothing to bed that was worn while preparing or eating meals.
Keep campsites as clean as possible. Bring all garbage and recyclables to the recycling center each day by 8 PM.

Advice for Homeowners

Never feed bears-it's against the law.
If you believe that bears are being fed, immediately report it to DEC.
Stop feeding birds as soon as the snow melts, and clean up all seed fragments and shells left over from winter feeding as the smell will attract bears.
Do not burn garbage, especially meat scraps and grease.
Sprinkle ammonia inside garbage bags and tie them off before placing in containers.
Keep garbage in cans and store cans inside buildings whenever possible.
Store garbage in clean, secure containers (top-latched, tied or chained), and dispose of it quickly and frequently.
Put garbage out just before the scheduled pickup time, or place it in a roadside bear-resistant container. Do not put garbage out the night before curbside pickup.
Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia.
Do not add meat scraps, bones or melon rinds to a compost pile.
Clean barbecue grills before nightfall, and, after they cool down, store grills inside.
Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. If pets must be fed outdoors, remove all uneaten food and dishes before dark.
Turn off kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the outside whenever possible.